Helmet skin

ABSTRACT

A non-protective skin covering a helmet and capable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, sizes and types. In a preferred embodiment, the skin includes an upper curved surface having an opening, and a narrowing base portion. Each of the upper curved surface and the narrowing base portion are preferably stretchable. The base portion also preferably has a substantially symmetrical shape such that a vertical axis extending in a substantially perpendicular direction to the base portion and through a center of the base portion divides the base portion into substantially symmetrical halves. The upper curved surface preferably has a substantially asymmetrical shape such that the vertical axis divides the upper curved surface into asymmetrical front and rear portions. An opening may be provided, in the skin, for use in attaching goggles, straps or other accessories associated with the helmet. Preferably, the helmet skin is capable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, types and sizes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to helmet coverings, also known as helmet“skins.”

Specialized helmets, available in a variety of shapes and sizes, arepresently used for a plethora of sports, such as biking, skiing,motorcycles, snow-boarding, horseback riding, skate boarding, etc.Whether the helmet is used for recreational or competitive purposes, itis often desirable to provide the helmet with readable information onits outer suface, either to identify a sponsor, advertiser and/or eventby logo, slogan or name, and/or to identify the user by name or number,for example. For this purpose thin, stretchable helmet coverings or“skins” have been developed. These helmet skins provide an economicalway for individuals, race sponsors, etc. to identify the event, sportsteams, sponsor, advertiser, individual racer, etc. Protective helmetcovers are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,711,752 to JosephS. Smith, entitled “Cover For Protective Helmets And The Like,” theentire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein;however, the Smith helmet cover is not intended to be used when thehelmet is worn, is not a decorative cover or one meant to conveymessages, and has no opening for holding accessories.

Various disadvantages are currently associated with prior known helmetskins, however. One such disadvantage is that known helmet skins aretypically designed to fit specific helmet types and sizes. A typicalsize for a helmet skin for covering bike helmets, ski helmets and openface motorcycle helmets is about 18 cm in height and about 28 cm inlength. No known helmet skins fit a variety of helmet shapes and sizes,or a variety of different types of helmets in addition to those justmentioned, as used for different activities (e.g., motorcross, lacrosse,snow board, etc.). No known helmet skins are also generally symmetricalin shape and appearance, making it difficult for such skins to fit bikeand other types of helmets which are often asymmetrically-shaped. Knownhelmet skins also do not have fittings or openings for goggles or otherhelmet accessories. Additionally, many helmet skins are not breathable,reflective or water-repellant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects mentioned above, as well as other objects, are solved by thepresent invention, which overcomes disadvantages of prior helmetcoverings or skins, while providing new advantages not previouslyobtainable with such skins.

In a preferred embodiment, an asymmetrically-shaped, non-protective skinis provided and adapted to cover a helmet. The skin is capable offitting a variety of helmet shapes, sizes and types. The skin includes astretchable upper curved surface and a stretchable narrowing baseportion. The base portion has a substantially symmetrical shape suchthat a vertical axis extending in a substantially perpendiculardirection to the base portion and through a center of the base portiondivides the base portion into substantially symmetrical halves. Theupper curved surface has a substantially asymmetrical shape such thatthe vertical axis divides the upper curved surface into asymmetricalfront and rear portions. The skin is capable of covering a wide varietyof helmet types, shapes and sizes.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a portion of the skin, such asits rear portion, includes an opening, which may include an attachmentmechanism suitable for attachment or connection to goggles, sunglasses,or other helmet accessories. The opening is preferably resealable, andmay utilize various closure mechanisms such as: buttons; Velcro®; azipper; a zip-lock closure; a magnet; buttons; clips; snaps; buckles;laces; or lace. The base portion may be tightened using a drawstring orelastic cord and/or may be fastened using any of the previouslymentioned closure mechanisms.

Regarding the general shape of the skin, the upper curved surface ispreferably substantially devoid of concavities. Given helmet shapes, itis preferable that the rear portion of the skin have a surface areawhich is substantially larger than the surface area of the front portionof the skin. It is also preferable that the diameter of the base portionis substantially less than the diameter of the widest portion of theupper curved surface. Currently preferred skin dimensions are about15-20 centimeters in height, and a about 30-35 centimeters in length.

The skin preferably has a stretch range of between about 30-60 percentand, most preferably, between about 40-50 percent.

As to the composition of the material of the skin, at least one or moreof the following materials may be used: acrylic, nylon, polyester andspandex. One preferred blend is greater than 80% polyester and greaterthan 10% spandex. It may be desirable to provide a skin material whichis one or more of the following: water repellant; reflective; andbreathable.

Preferably, the helmet skin of the present invention is suitably shapedand sized to cover at least a reasonable size range of each of thefollowing helmet types: bicycle; motorcycle; snowboarding; skiing;skateboarding; and rollerblading. Other helmet types may be covered, aswell.

The skin may also include decorations and/or information relating toadvertising or sponsorship.

The skin may be provided with a reflective print using a heat transfermethod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, togetherwith further objects and attendant advantages thereof, can be betterunderstood by reference to the following description taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top, front, left-side perspective view of one preferredembodiment of the helmet skin of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom, rear, right-side perspective view of the helmet skinembodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial, sectional view along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top and side perspective view of the skin of the presentinvention shown covering a bike helmet;

FIG. 6 is a rear and side perspective view of the skin of the presentinvention shown covering a ski board helmet;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the skin of the present inventionshown covering a football helmet;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the skin of the present inventionshown covering a motorcycle helmet;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a helmet skin according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a rear and side perspective view of the helmet skin shown inFIG. 9, which may be used to cover helmet types such as ski, snow board,motorcycle or bike helmets.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of thepresent invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views.

DEFINITION OF CLAIM TERMS

The terms used in the claims of the patent as filed are intended to havetheir broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law.

“Non-protective” means that the skin does not provide any padding orshock-absorbing ability in addition to those abilities associated withthe helmet itself.

Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning isintended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used in thenormal, customary usage of grammar and the English language.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Set forth below is a description of what are believed to be thepreferred embodiments and/or best examples of the invention claimed.Future and present alternatives and modifications to this preferredembodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications whichmake insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure, or inresult are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, a preferred embodiment of the helmet skinof the present invention is shown. The helmet skin, generally designatedas reference numeral 10, includes a skin 15 terminating at a lower edgein a base portion 15. Base portion 15 may include an elastic cord ordrawstring, or include other means or mechanisms, described furtherbelow, for tightening the base portion to secure the skin about thehelmet. Preferably, skin 15 is substantially asymmetrical, such that avertical axis X-X passing through the center of base portion 17 andgenerally perpendicular to it divides the skin into two portions A andB, in which one portion (here A) is substantially larger than B. In FIG.1, portion A is substantially larger than portion B so that asymmetricalskin 15 can accommodate helmet types with a larger frontal or rear lobe,for example.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-2, in a preferred embodiment, helmet skin 10preferably has the following size ranges (pattern size is measured,prior to sewing, as discussed below): length “l” of between about 30-35centimeters; and a height “h” of between about 15-20 centimeters.Different skin sizes may be used to fit three-quarter face helmets orfull face helmets.

In one preferred embodiment, from two identical skin patterns (onepreferred size for each pattern was about 20 cm in height and about 35cm in length), each side of the pattern is sewn together at the seam atthe top. The elastic band is sewn at the bottom. A closure mechanism,such as a Velcro® closure, may be sewn in at the rear, for example, ofthe helmet cover. When completed, the finished (unstretched) approximatesize was about 20 cm in height and about 28 cm in length.

The helmet skin may be made of nylon and/or acrylic material. Onepreferred blend material for the skin is: 82% nylon and 18% spandex. Apreferred material for the elastic band of the base is 92% nylon and 8%spandex. A disadvantage of a material with a nylon percentage this highis that it may be difficult to print on this fabric, and the color onsuch fabric may fade in a relatively short period of time (i.e., 2-3days). However, it has been determined that a blend of a fabricprimarily made of polyester (e.g., a skin material that is greater than80% polyester, such as 87% polyester, and greater than 10% spandex, suchas 13% spandex) will not have such a problem, and instead will bedurable such that the color will not substantially fade over time. Thisblend may also be made of mesh, if desired. Using this fabric blend, thepreferred skin exhibited a stretch of about 42 percent lengthwise andabout 49 percent height-wise, as compared to those unstretcheddimensions. It is currently believed that a preferred stretch range forsimilar-composition skin materials is about 30-60 percent and, mostpreferably, about 40-50 percent. (This is for general dimensions ofheight and length.)

Preferably the fabric is readily compressible (e.g., it may be carriedunobtrusively in a pocket). Also, the fabric preferably has sufficientporosity such that moisture may be passed through the fabric by awicking mechanism, such that the fabric “breathes.” The fabricpreferably is also tear-resistant and soil/stain-resistant.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and 9-10, in an alternative preferredembodiment, helmet skin 10 may include an opening 13, which may but neednot be located at the rear of the skin. Opening 13 may but need not beprovided with a clip or strap 15 (FIG. 10), which may be used to attachstraps 22 associated with goggles 21, for example. Opposing openingsides 13 a may be opened and resealable using any known resealablefastening means, such as Velcro®, elastic Velcro®, zippers, elasticzippers, a zip-lock fastener, magnets, buttons, clips, snaps, buckles,drawstrings, elastic drawstrings, laces, etc.

As shown in FIG. 10, helmet skin 10 may be designed or colorized withany patterns, colors or logos that may be desired, and may includehelmet wearer identifications such as names or numbers, orsponsor/advertiser identifying or other information.

As described here, in the preferred embodiment helmet skin 10 ispreferably a “one size fits all” skin that will cover most helmetshapes, sizes and types (whatever the sport used for). The uniqueability of the helmet skin of the present invention to be a “one sizefits all” skin is facilitated by the preferred size ranges describedabove, as well as by the assymetrical shape described in connection withFIG. 1, above.

Referring to FIGS. 5-10, whether the helmet is used for recreational orcompetitive purposes, it may be desirable to provide the skin withreadable information on its outer suface, either to identify a sponsor,advertiser and/or event by logo, slogan or name, and/or to identify theuser by name or number, for example. Decorations may also be provided,as shown.

Preferably, the helmet skin employs a reflective print that can beprinted anywhere on the skin using well known heat transfer methods,such as by permanent print heat transfer sublimation, in any manner aswell known in the art. (Exemplary processes are described, for example,at: http://www.heatpress.com/heat.php (describing heat transfer pressmachines available from Geo Knight & Co.) andhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dye-sublimation_printer) (discussing theuse of a computer printer known as a dye-sublimation printer). The useof sprayable, reflective skins is also possible.

Other changes and modifications constituting insubstantial differencesfrom the present invention, such as those expressed here or others leftunexpressed but apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is,therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered bythe following claims.

1. An asymmetrically-shaped, non-protective skin covering a helmet andcapable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, sizes and types,comprising: an upper curved surface having an opening, and a narrowingbase portion, wherein each of the upper curved surface and the narrowingbase portion are stretchable; the base portion having a substantiallysymmetrical shape such that a vertical axis extending in a substantiallyperpendicular direction to the base portion and through a center of thebase portion divides the base portion into substantially symmetricalhalves; and the upper curved surface having a substantially asymmetricalshape such that the vertical axis divides the upper curved surface intoasymmetrical front and rear portions.
 2. The helmet skin of claim 1,wherein the base portion includes an elastic cord.
 3. The helmet skin ofclaim 1, wherein the upper curved surface is substantially devoid ofconcavities.
 4. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the skin has astretch range of between about 30-60 percent.
 5. The helmet skin ofclaim 4, wherein the stretch range is between about 40-50 percent. 6.The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the rear portion of the skin has asurface area which is substantially larger than the surface area of thefront portion of the skin.
 7. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein theskin comprises at least one or more of the following materials: acrylic,nylon, polyester and spandex.
 8. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein theskin comprises greater than 80% polyester and greater than 10% spandex.9. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises atleast one of the following: elastic; cord; buttons; Velcro®; or zipper.10. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the base portion may betightened or closed using one or more of the following: elastic strap ordrawstring; cord; zipper; zip-lock closure; magnet; button; clip; snap;buckle; Velcro®; or lace.
 11. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein thediameter of the base portion is substantially less than the diameter ofthe widest portion of the upper curved surface.
 12. The helmet skin ofclaim 1, wherein the material comprising the upper curved surface of theskin is water repellant.
 13. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein thematerial comprising the upper curved surface of the skin is reflective.14. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the material comprising theupper curved surface of the skin is breathable.
 15. The helmet skin ofclaim 1, wherein the skin has a height in the range of about 15-20centimeters, and a length in the range of about 30-35 centimeters. 16.The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the opening includes an attachmentmechanism suitably shaped and sized for connection to at least one ofthe following: goggles or sunglasses.
 17. The helmet skin of claim 1,wherein the skin is suitably shaped and sized to cover at least areasonable size range of each of the following helmet types: bicycle;motorcycle; snowboarding; skiing; skateboarding; and rollerblading. 18.The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the skin is provided with areflective print using a heat transfer method.
 19. The helmet skin ofclaim 1, wherein the skin includes at least one of the following:decorations; or information relating to advertising or sponsorship. 20.An asymmetrically-shaped, non-protective skin covering a helmet andcapable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, sizes and types,comprising: an upper curved surface and a narrowing base portion,wherein each of the upper curved surface and the narrowing base portionare stretchable; the base portion having a substantially symmetricalshape such that a vertical axis extending in a substantiallyperpendicular direction to the base portion and through a center of thebase portion divides the base portion into substantially symmetricalhalves; and the upper curved surface having a substantially asymmetricalshape such that the vertical axis divides the upper curved surface intoasymmetrical front and rear portions; wherein the skin is capable ofcovering a wide variety of helmet types, shapes and sizes, and has aheight in the range of about 15-20 centimeters, and a width in the rangeof about 30-35 centimeters.
 21. An asymmetrically-shaped, non-protectiveskin covering a helmet and capable of fitting a variety of helmetshapes, sizes and types, comprising: an upper curved surface and anarrowing base portion, wherein each of the upper curved surface and thenarrowing base portion are stretchable; the base portion having asubstantially symmetrical shape such that a vertical axis extending in asubstantially perpendicular direction to the base portion and through acenter of the base portion divides the base portion into substantiallysymmetrical halves; and the upper curved surface having a substantiallyasymmetrical shape such that the vertical axis divides the upper curvedsurface into asymmetrical front and rear portions; wherein the skin iscapable of covering a wide variety of helmet types, shapes and sizes.